Joggers who revive through energy drinks 'putting their health at risk'

There was an article recently in the Telegraph about the potential hazards of drinking too many sports drinks which contain caffeine.

Joggers are putting their health at risk by trying to revive themselves after exercise with high-caffeine energy drinks, a study has warned. Researchers found hugely popular energy drinks that are promoted to, and used by, a growing number of athletes for an "extra push", contained more caffeine than an average cup of coffee.



They warned “weekend warriors” and those "seeking an edge in an endurance event" faced potential health risks by using such products as they can seriously dehydrate users.
The study, reported in the journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings, adds weight to previous research that found such energy drinks can affect a person's health such as heart attacks and seizures and in some extreme circumstances lead to death.



Countries including Norway, Denmark and France have banned Red Bull after one study showed rats that "were fed taurine and exhibited bizarre behaviour, including anxiety and self-mutilation". "What we know is that a typical energy drink can have as much as a quarter cup of sugar, and more caffeine than a strong cup of coffee," said John Higgins, who led the study.


"We're not rats but consumption has been shown to be positively associated with high-risk behaviour. "The possibility of dehydration and increased blood pressure make water or lower-octane sports drinks, which contain electrolytes, some minerals and carbohydrates, a better choice."
 
The researchers reviewed medical literature on energy drinks and their ingredients between 1976 and 2010. They found that the caffeine content of energy drinks ranged from 70 to 200 mg per 16-oz serving. By comparison, an 8-oz cup of coffee could contain between 40 to 150 mg of caffeine.


They warned that some ingredients not mentioned on the labels such as herbal stimulant guarana, the amino acid taurine, might produce adverse affects with caffeine.


Dr Higgins said that by not publishing ingredients added to the problem. "Manufacturers can put whatever in them, advertise however and people consume however. Whenever you have a situation like this, you are going to run into problems," he said. Non-athletes should drink no more than one a day, never mix them with alcohol, and drink lots of water after exercising.


People with hypertension should never drink them, and people with health conditions such as heart disease should consult their doctors before using the drinks, he said. Regulation of the drinks could go a long way towards solving potential problems, he added. "Manufacturers can put whatever in them, advertise however and people consume however. Whenever you have a situation like this, you are going to run into problems," he said.


The American Beverage Association said people should consume such products in moderation. A spokesman said: "There is nothing unique about the ingredients found in energy drinks."

Just out of interest, I had a quick look at the caffeine content of some of the gels which are often used in Marathons or long runs by many people.

Here is the info as supplied by Powerbar..."Green Apple, Chocolate and Strawberry Banana deliver 25 mg of caffeine (equivalent to 8 oz. of a cola drink); Double Latte and Tangerine are double-caffeinated to deliver 50 mg caffeine (equal to about one half cup of coffee or 1 ounce of espresso) for the times you need double the boost. Raspberry Cream and Vanilla have no added caffeine."

Perhaps the main issue here is what is consumed post exercise rather than during exercise.